Chapter 74
CRAAAAASH—
The sanctuary shook violently once again.
Crimson destruction ripped across the floor as black flames exploded through the collapsing walls.
The Commander barely raised his sword in time.
BOOOOM—
The impact hurled him backward like a broken doll.
THUD—
Blood splattered across the shattered stone beneath him.
His sword nearly slipped from his hand completely.
For several seconds—
he didn't move.
Then slowly…
he forced himself back up.
A rough breath escaped his mouth.
Far ahead—
the Lord stood calmly beneath the crimson flames.
The massive Sword of War rested over his shoulder.
Purple fire coiled endlessly around the ancient blade.
Just its presence alone continued cracking the sanctuary floor.
Lord: "…Still alive?"
The Commander stared silently at the sword.
His vision blurred slightly.
Commander (thinking): …This pressure…
Another crack spread beneath his feet.
Commander (thinking): …There's no winning against that thing.
The Lord slowly began walking forward.
Step.
Step.
Each movement carried terrifying pressure with it.
Lord: "…You invaded my sanctuary."
Step.
Lord: "…Destroyed everything."
Step.
Lord: "…And still believe you can leave alive?"
The Commander's hand trembled around the black sword.
Commander (thinking): …No.
A small breath escaped him.
Commander (thinking): I'm going to die here.
Silence.
Then—
his eyes slowly narrowed.
Commander (thinking): …Then I'll make it matter.
His grip tightened harder.
Commander (thinking): …I'll put everything into this.
Far away—
his eyes briefly shifted toward the shattered ruins deeper within the sanctuary.
Toward the stone bodies.
Then back toward the Lord.
Commander (thinking): …Just one chance.
---
Elsewhere—
inside the collapsing battlefield—
Justice Worshippers continued fighting desperately against endless waves of hooded guards.
SLASH—
BOOM—
Screams echoed throughout the sanctuary.
Golden holy magic flickered weakly around Vendetta's barrier.
The Princess stared toward the Commander in the distance.
Her expression slowly hardened.
Princess: "…We can't stand here anymore."
Chris immediately looked toward her.
Chris: "…Princess."
The Princess tightened her fists.
Princess: "…The Commander is fighting alone."
Another explosion shook the sanctuary.
Several Justice Worshippers collapsed nearby.
Princess: "…And everyone is dying."
Silence.
Then—
the Princess slowly stepped forward.
Princess: "…We help them."
Vendetta's eyes widened slightly.
Vendetta: "…That is extremely risky."
The Princess looked toward her calmly.
Princess: "…I know."
Vendetta: "…But—"
Another deafening explosion thundered across the battlefield.
For a moment—
Vendetta stayed silent.
Then finally—
she exhaled quietly.
Vendetta: "…Fine."
Holy light slowly formed around her hands.
Vendetta: "…I'll support from behind."
Golden magic circles appeared beside her.
Vendetta: "…I can still create holy rays for cover."
Guinevere smirked faintly.
Guinevere: "Finally."
Chris tightened his grip on his sword.
Then nodded once.
The next second—
they rushed forward.
---
CLANG—
Guards immediately flooded toward them.
Chris moved first.
A fast kick shattered one guard's balance instantly.
CRACK—
The man collapsed sideways.
Guinevere immediately stepped through the opening and cut another down.
SLASH—
She charged directly into the chaos.
Fast.
Sharp.
Violent.
SLASH—
One enemy fell instantly.
Another rushed toward her—
but she cut through him before he could even attack.
Then—
her eyes narrowed slightly.
Behind the guards—
hooded healers continued casting healing magic.
Golden light covered fallen soldiers.
And slowly—
they stood back up again.
Guinevere clicked her tongue.
Guinevere: "…Annoying."
Another enemy rose behind her.
Guinevere: "…Without taking out the healers…"
SLASH—
She cut another guard down.
Guinevere: "…This fight never ends."
---
Far ahead—
the Princess continued moving toward the Commander.
The Lord noticed immediately.
Slowly—
a smile spread across his face.
Lord: "…Interesting."
Crimson flames flickered around him.
Lord: "…So even you entered the battlefield."
The Princess stopped beside the Commander.
He was breathing heavily now.
Blood continued dripping from his wounds.
Princess: "…Commander."
The Lord suddenly disappeared.
BOOOOM—
The next second—
the Sword of War crashed downward toward them.
The Commander instantly grabbed the Princess.
Commander: "…MOVE!"
They barely dodged sideways.
CRAAAAAAAAASH—
The entire floor exploded apart behind them.
Shockwaves tore violently through the sanctuary.
The Princess's eyes widened.
That attack alone—
could have killed them instantly.
The Lord laughed quietly.
Lord: "…Run as much as you wish."
Purple flames twisted around the Sword of War.
Lord: "…Eventually… you are all going to die."
The Commander's expression darkened.
Another attack came instantly.
CRASH—
Again—
they barely avoided it.
The shockwave alone shattered nearby pillars.
Princess: "…This is insane…"
Commander: "…Princess."
She looked toward him while avoiding another explosion.
Commander: "…We cannot win like this."
BOOOOM—
Another slash destroyed part of the sanctuary ceiling.
Commander: "…That is the Sword of War."
His breathing grew heavier.
Commander: "…A divine weapon that once belonged to the Goddess of War herself… Monessa."
The Princess's eyes widened slightly.
Commander: "…The longer this battle continues…"
CRACK—
The sword's pressure shattered the floor nearby again.
Commander: "…The stronger it becomes."
Another violent wave of destruction barely missed them.
Commander: "…Dodging even once is already a miracle."
The Princess gritted her teeth.
Princess: "…Then what do we do?!"
For a moment—
the Commander stayed silent.
Then—
his eyes slowly shifted toward the distant stone bodies.
The seven God,s stone bodys
Commander: "…We take one."
Princess: "…What?"
Commander: "…Just one."
His eyes sharpened.
Commander: "…If I can destroy even one stone body…"
Commander: "…Everything changes."
The Princess stared at him silently.
Another explosion shook the sanctuary.
Princess: "…What do you need me to do?"
The Commander looked toward the Lord.
Then toward her.
Commander: "…Distract him."
Princess: "…But—"
Commander: "…Just keep his attention on you for a few seconds."
Silence.
The sanctuary trembled once more.
Then—
the Princess slowly nodded.
Princess: "…Okay."
---
...CHAPTER 74ENDS...